episode_0154

[Episode 150] – A 10-Year-Old’s Day

The next morning.

After sneaking out of Titania’s embrace, I put on Einsel around my neck and started to take a vigorous walk. I woke up too early and was bored.

Perhaps it’s because she went to bed too early. Ever since I became a child, I’ve developed the habit of going to bed and waking up early. At first, I was scared that an adult’s mind was following a child’s body, but…

Fortunately, so far, I haven’t felt like my mind is regressing to that of a toddler. The only changes seem to be in my taste preferences and the habit of going to bed and waking up early. Other than that, everything seems fine.

As I walked briskly down the corridor in the early morning, I could hear the sounds of the lively start of the day at the palace. Sounds of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen, maids bustling about, and so on—

Somehow, the noisy sounds echoing through the palace made me feel good. As I walked down the corridor, listening to the sounds of daily life, Einsel let out a small sigh and spoke to me.

“Are you being too submissive to the princess lately?”

“Huh? Why are you suddenly saying that?”

“I haven’t had a chance to intervene lately, but it seems to me that you’re being too submissive to the princess. It feels like the relationship has reversed since you became a child, doesn’t it?”

“A reversed relationship?”

As I lowered my head and looked at Einsel hanging around my neck, Einsel put a hand on my cheek as if worried about my submission to Titania and sighed.

“At this rate, you might really end up being devoured by the princess…”

“…Devoured?”

“You know, like the metaphor humans use when they have sex—”

“Ugh, ughhh!!”

Suddenly, without realizing it, I covered my ears and screamed like a child. Why on earth is this fairy bringing up such a strange story early in the morning?!

“Anyway, I just said it because I’ve been feeling nervous every time I see you with the princess lately.”

“Ugh…”

“Well, if you’re okay with it, then I won’t worry about it anymore…”

“No… Thank you for telling me.”

Certainly, as Einsel said, I’ve been too swayed by Titania lately. The kissing that started as an excuse of a curse had turned into something we did whenever there was a chance.

Moreover, if Einsel is telling me this, it must be serious. I thought I was keeping my boundaries, but lately, even those boundaries felt vague.

“Should I keep some distance after all? She hardly listens to me these days. I’ve been letting it slide, but at least I should reduce the kissing…”

As I pondered what to do, I saw a familiar face walking towards me at the end of the corridor. His sparkling face reflected the morning sunlight, shining like the sun itself.

Seeing his radiant face, I furrowed my brows and hurried toward him. What did he put on his head to make it shine like this early in the morning!

“Bang – Lord Jaesang!”

“Lily Yang. Good morning. You’re up early again today.”

Smiling like a lord, Bangsyo greeted me. Normally, we would have just exchanged greetings and parted ways, but things were different now. As if it were natural, I reached out my hands, offering both to Bangsyo.

Looking puzzled at my naturally demanding hands, Bangsyo couldn’t hide his confusion. After looking around to ensure no one was there, he said, “This is a secret for Her Highness,” and then placed a few candies on my outstretched palm from his inner pocket. Seeing the various candies neatly arranged on my palm, I smiled at Bangsyo.

Since becoming a child, my taste buds had changed to that of a child’s. So, I often sought snacks like cookies or candies, eventually getting banned from having snacks by Titania.

Was it revenge from my childhood?

I don’t recall ever restricting Titania’s snacks.

After being deprived of dessert following the meal, I ended up behaving just like Titania did when I was young. That is, rummaging through the pockets of passing maidservants.

One of the things I learned from living in the royal palace for over ten years was that the pockets of nobles and maids were always filled with candies and snacks for emergencies.

Knowing this fact, there was no reason not to take and eat from the pockets of nobles and maids. If you reach out to passing nobles, snacks would naturally come to you.

“Children’s behavior is quite nice. Snacks come automatically when you reach out.”

I put the candy back into the pocket and started to unwrap one. Then Bangso cleared his throat, adjusted his collar, squatted down, and asked me while locking eyes with me.

“Do you have any plans this afternoon?”

“Huh? Oh… I don’t think so.”

Since I had plenty of time.

The moment I finished unwrapping the candy and put the round candy into my mouth –

“Then, do you happen to know about the event happening in the palace today-”

“Tsk…!”

“L-Lily?”

“Tskk…”

As I sucked on the candy, my eyes, nose, and mouth converged in the center of my face. As my features gathered in the middle, the whole world seemed to turn yellow.

I’ve tried all sorts of candies before, but I never expected such a malicious candy here. I only sucked it once, but every time I breathed, the foul smell in my mouth tormented me.

I spat out the candy, spreading the bitter taste in my mouth, grabbed Bangso’s collar, and sobbed. Bangso, how could you make me eat this…! You baldy!!

“Ugh! It smells like red ginseng…!”

“Huh? Red ginseng? This is a high-quality herbal candy made by steeping herbs from the East. My children sent it to me as a reminder to take care of my health-”

I couldn’t even swallow my saliva, tears streaming down my face. Whether it was due to my taste changing since becoming a child or because this red ginseng candy was incredibly tasteless, I couldn’t tell.

The ginseng-flavored candy Bangsyo gave me was simply unbearable. Unable to endure it any longer, I left Bangsyo behind and dashed down the hallway in search of water.

“Ugh…!”

*

After suffering through the dreadful ginseng candy in the morning, I decided to spend the morning as usual by Titania’s side. Well, being by her side meant being in Titania’s study, but still.

Moreover, today…

“So, you were crying all morning just because of a piece of candy?”

“It’s not like that…”

Veronica was also in the study with us.

As I glared at Veronica while groaning, she continued to smirk without any intention of stopping her teasing. Really, my sobbing in the morning had already spread as a rumor…

I sent a pleading look to Titania, asking her to stop Veronica, but Titania just chuckled and looked at me. Yeah, I don’t have any allies here, do I?

“If you keep this up, I’ll-”

Knock knock-

“Your Highness, it’s Bangsyo. May I enter?”

Just as I was about to say I would go back to my room, the sound of knocking on the door was followed by Bangsyo’s voice. As soon as the sound of knocking was heard, Veronica, as if familiar with it, concealed herself with magic.

After confirming Veronica’s disappearance, Titania sighed softly and replied, “Come in.”

“I apologize for the intrusion.”

Bangsyo cautiously entered the study and approached Titania slowly. Titania put down the documents she had been reading and looked up at Bangsyo.

It was a slightly tense atmosphere, as they simply locked eyes. Does Titania still resent Bangsyo? With a furrowed brow, Titania sighed softly and asked Bangsyo, “What is it?”

“This afternoon, there is an event where noble guests are invited to tour the palace and learn about the kingdom’s history alongside the nobles…”

“…Yes, there is.”

“What if Lily were to attend this event as well?”

“Lily?”

Titania frowned as if she didn’t like it and asked Bangsyo. Seeing Titania’s reaction, Bangsyo continued to explain slowly as if he was nervous.

“Just, since it’s an event with a good purpose, I thought it would be nice for Lily to attend. There are also many children coming, so it’s an opportunity for Lily to make friends-”

It really was just a good intention.

I’m only 10 years old now. Moreover, at this age, it wouldn’t be strange to be involved in the “children’s social circle.” Bangsyo was just suggesting to help me.

After hesitating for a moment, Titania turned her head and looked at me intently. As if telling me to decide, I couldn’t help but sigh deeply and jumped off the chair.

Anyway, I’ll just get teased by the kids if I stay here. It wouldn’t be bad to take a walk and go. I awkwardly replied with a bright smile, firmly holding Bangsyo’s hand.

“Wow, wow! It sounds fun! I really want to attend!”

“I see. However, Your Highness…”

“There’s no reason to stop Lily if she wants to go. It’s okay even if she goes and comes back.”

As soon as Titania gave permission, I tightly held Bangsyo’s hand and led him out of the room. It was because I didn’t want to see the awkward relationship between Titania and Bangsyo.

‘I hope they reconcile soon…’

The place we headed holding Bangsyo’s hand was the vibrant first-floor garden.

The event Bangsyo mentioned was an annual event where the palace was opened to invite noble children to tour and learn about the kingdom’s history while fostering friendship among the children.

So, in short…

“This portrait is a portrait of His Majesty the King from 300 years ago-”

It meant an incredibly boring event.

As Bancho’s voice droned on like reading from a textbook, the children were on the verge of total annihilation. They nodded off standing up, stared blankly, and chattered among themselves.

Gathering children under ten to drone on about the kingdom’s history, who would remember? Few paid proper attention to Bancho’s explanation.

Just as I was yawning so hard my jaw almost split—

“Um, um. Please pay attention, everyone.”

Clapping his hands, Bancho drew the children’s focus onto himself with a sly smile.

“After this event, we will have a ‘game’ in the garden. We’ve also prepared special prizes and snacks, so please concentrate a little longer.”

“Yes~”

At the mention of a game in the garden, the children’s eyes lit up. Moreover, the promise of special prizes was enough to heighten their focus.

Seeing the children’s attention return, Bancho chuckled softly and continued explaining while looking at the portrait again. Truly, with an incredibly boring and drowsy voice.

*

“The game we’re going to play now is ‘Treasure Hunt.’ We’ve hidden treasures all over this lush garden for you to find. The hints are written only on this ‘treasure map.’”

With a grin, Bancho handed each child a piece of paper. The paper contained riddles, serving as hints to find the treasure, a kind of ‘game.’

As soon as I looked at the riddle on the paper, I knew exactly where in the garden it pointed to. I’ve lived here for years; I could easily guess that much.

Still, as an adult, I shouldn’t deprive the children of a chance to enjoy themselves. As I was thinking this, Bancho suddenly uttered a dreadful sound.

“Before you go searching for the treasure, form groups of three with your friends.”

…What? Groups with friends?

As I turned my head to look at the children, they began to form groups as if they were familiar with each other. When I think about it, the children had already established connections within the “children’s social circle.” So, it was easy for them to form groups, but…

“I’m not in a group…”

Unable to do anything, two people who couldn’t form a group like me appeared before my eyes. Eventually, I awkwardly smiled at the children.

Awkwardly smiling dropouts. They were laughing, but it wasn’t laughter. Honestly, they felt like crying. How cruel of Bangsio to do this…

Forcing a smile, I awkwardly greeted the two who ended up in the same group as me.

“I’m Lily… Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Rue, Rueige. Nice to meet you…”

“I’m Ignat. Nice to meet you.”

Rueige with platinum blonde hair and Ignat with sunset-red hair. These two were my group members. After a brief exchange of greetings, Bangsio cleared his throat and continued with the explanation.

“The time limit is two hours. Then-”

Bangsio turned his head and looked at the distant clock tower. The children followed his gaze. As the second hand pointed to the hour,

Clang!

“We will begin now!”

With Bangsio’s clap, the treasure hunt started. The children split into two groups: those who solved riddles on the spot and those who immediately started searching.

But we just stood there, unable to do much, amidst the awkward atmosphere. I turned my head and asked my group members.

“Do any of you plan to participate in the treasure hunt?”

“Um…?”

“No… It seems like nobody is interested. If you’re not interested in the treasure, maybe resting in the shade for a while…”

To be honest, I wasn’t particularly interested either. What would an adult do in children’s games? Taking a nap under a nearby tree until the treasure hunt was over seemed more beneficial.

…However, the two seemed a little different. Louise, with her platinum blonde hair fluttering, approached me cautiously and spoke to me in a whisper. Are you a very timid person?

“I, I hope to find the treasure… Even if it’s not something good… I need the ‘story’ of finding the treasure…”

At the mention of needing a story, Ignat nodded as if agreeing.

‘A story…’

It must mean they need a story to bring up in their children’s social circles. The kids in front of me were essentially dropouts from those circles. So, they probably couldn’t come up with anything like a riddle and ended up making one without any connections, just like me and Jo.

I chuckled as if to say there was nothing I could do, turned my back, and started heading somewhere. The two were taken aback by my sudden solo action, but soon began to follow me slowly.

“W-where are you going…?!”

“Where indeed.”

I turned my head and gave the two a sly smile.

“We’re going to find the treasure.”

*

The riddle was something easily solved by someone who had lived here for a long time.

Roughly, it meant ‘head towards where the lion’s mouth is open.’ There were several lion statues in the garden, but only one had an open mouth. A riddle for children at best, really.

As we pushed through the bushes and headed towards the lion statue with its mouth open, it felt as if someone was waiting for us underneath, arms crossed, looking at us.

No… Why is that person here again?

“Educational Minister…?”

When I called out to the Educational Minister in disbelief, he raised his finger and began to tsk-tsk and wag his tongue.

“…You’re wrong. I am the guardian of the treasure map’s riddle. If you want to know where the treasure is, you’ll have to satisfy me… Hehehe…”

The white-haired old man chuckling “hehehe” didn’t seem scary at all. Do these ministers not have anything better to do? Bangsho, the Educational Minister, what are they all doing?

“That aside… You’ve come sooner than expected. Did you already know about this place?”

“Ah… Yes…”

The Minister of Education chuckled and gestured for us to come closer. As we approached, he opened his mouth.

“But… the second gate won’t be easy. To get the next map, you’ll have to do something other than solving riddles.”

“W-what is it…? Minister of Riddles…?”

Louise asked shakily. Would the threat work on these kids? The Minister chuckled and stroked his beard before smiling.

“In the second gate… you’ll have to tease me.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, teasing… Anything will do. You can act cute or dance. If you can satisfy me, I’ll give you the next map. My granddaughter has grown up and doesn’t tease me anymore… It’s been awkward lately.”

Right, the Minister was that kind of person.

As I stood bewildered, Louise shouted “Operation Time,” and the Minister approved. We quickly huddled to discuss how to pass the second gate.

“W-what should we do…? Teasing… I’ve never really teased my mother…”

“If you act cute or dance, maybe that’ll work? Perhaps someone here is good at acting cute?”

Both remained silent at my question. Of course, they were young nobles who had endured strict etiquette since childhood. It was difficult to tease such nobles.

But…

“I-I can… act cute and dance…”

“Huh? Eignette, really?”

There’s always an exception, isn’t there?

When I asked in surprise, Ignat blushed and nodded. Louise covered her open mouth with both hands, also surprised.

“Because my mother… likes it when I dance… so I do it often…”

“I see…”

Ignat trembled with embarrassment as she spoke. It’s only natural to feel embarrassed. Who wouldn’t be embarrassed talking about this? I nodded in understanding and patted Ignat on the back.

“It’s not embarrassing. A daughter can show affection to her mother and dance.”

“Thank you for saying that…”

With a smirk, Ignat clenched her fists as if making a promise. Then she turned around and faced the Minister of Education, sacrificing her own embarrassment to find the treasure beyond the gate.

Standing before the Minister of Education, Ignat began to transform into a bundle of childish charm. She made rabbit ears with her hands and hopped in place, and swayed her hips while dancing.

The jest seemed to have an effect as the Minister of Education’s lips curved upward. Clearly, Ignat’s charm had filled the Minister’s heart.

However…

“Why did you split into groups of three? Even if one person plays around, I can’t hand over the treasure map unless everyone participates.”

“Oh… um, it’s time for our plan…”

“Permission granted.”

At the sharp response, Ignat called out “plan time,” and the Minister of Education gave permission. Ignat, now red-faced like a ripe apple, approached us with her hands covering her face.

Louise and I comforted her. You did your best. You’re the best. The one at fault is the Minister of Education who didn’t let your charm pass.

“There’s nothing we can do.”

“What, what do you mean…?”

“We have to do it again. This time, all together.”

I took a deep breath, held Ignat and Louise’s hands, and approached the Minister of Education. I felt truly sorry for Ignat, but I asked her to show us that dance once more.

“This, this is the last time… If it doesn’t work out this time… I won’t dance this dance for the rest of my life…”

“Right… This is the last time.”

Eugene, trembling with embarrassment, straightened up in front of the Minister of Education. He raised both hands above his head, assuming a posture that made him look like rabbit ears. I and Louise followed Eugene’s posture.

This is… more embarrassing than I imagined…

Just like that, I started teasing along with Eugene. Hopping with rabbit ears, wiggling our bottoms, we amused the Minister of Education.

“One, two! One, two!”

“Huff, hoo, hoo, hoo!”

As we danced to the chant, the Minister of Education began to laugh heartily. It was honestly a bit scary to see him laughing so hard that it seemed difficult for him to breathe.

It’s said to be for the sake of the children who have fallen behind in social circles, but I never dreamed I would go this far. Still, this should be an acceptable amusement for the two of them, right?

…Honestly, I felt relieved that Titania and Veronica didn’t witness this. Seeing us like this, I couldn’t begin to imagine how much they would have teased us.

Really… I’m glad they didn’t see us.

*

Veronica looked out the window and smiled. Strange chants could be heard from outside, and a rare scene was unfolding among the bushes.

“Titania? Come here and take a look at that.”

“What is it?”

“Hurry, it’s a rare sight.”

At Veronica’s urging, Titania got up from her chair and looked out the window below. When she looked where Veronica was pointing, Titania couldn’t help but cover her rising smile with her hand.

Indeed, as Veronica had said, it was a truly rare sight. Among the children, their mother was hopping around with rabbit ears, wiggling her bottom with her hands on her hips…

There’s no other way to describe it but as rare.

“Heh.”

“Hehehe. Ahaha!”

Veronica and Titania burst into laughter at the scene unfolding below the window. Should we ask her to dance in front of us when she comes back later? With that thought in mind, they giggled.